Authorities call for action as Midlands records 4% rise in veld fires

THE Midlands Province has recorded a four percent increase in veld fires in recent years, prompting urgent calls for collective action from Government, communities and institutions.

This emerged during the belated Midlands Provincial Fire Week Launch and World Environment Day Commemoration last week, which was co-hosted by Shurugwi and Gweru districts at the Midlands State University (MSU) Farm in Shurugwi District.

The launch featured demonstrations of fire-fighting techniques by local ward teams.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, delivered the keynote address.
In 2024, Midlands Province lost 70 636 hectares to fires, while in 2025 the area burnt increased to 73 566 hectares, which translates to a 4,15 percent increase.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Edgar Seenza,

Minister Ncube said the increase has been necessitated by the transboundary effects of veld fires.

He described the joint commemoration as particularly significant as it brought together two critical environmental issues, namely the fight against veld fires and the global call for climate action.

“Effective veld fire management is a climate action measure, while climate action contributes towards reducing the risks associated with environmental degradation and disasters,” he said.

“When we prevent veld fires, we are taking climate action.”

Minister Ncube said the rains during the 2025/26 season resulted in abundant biomass across Midlands, increasing the fuel load and the risk of fires during the dry and windy months ahead.

“As such, Midlands Province is in the high fire risk category, mainly due to the abundance of fuel load in our grasslands, especially Somabhula and surrounding areas. This calls for early preparedness, heightened vigilance and proactive veld fire management interventions,” he said.

Minister Ncube identified Gweru, Chirumanzu, Shurugwi and Kwekwe as fire hotspots in the province requiring collective action.

He said the Government’s position is a zero-tolerance approach towards veld fires and revealed that the

Environmental Management Agency had served 600 veld fire orders to farmers and village heads for the construction of fireguards before the fire season.

He commended MSU for availing its farm for the event, noting that the farm is located in one of the fire hotspots and has constructed fireguards stretching over 20km.

Minister Ncube called for a whole-of-society approach, urging traditional leaders to mobilise communities, farmers to construct and maintain standard fireguards, local authorities to strengthen awareness programmes, schools and universities to educate young people, and community members to report fire outbreaks.

Forestry Commission Gweru District Officer Mr Polite Foto said the campaign seeks to raise awareness on fire prevention and equip local communities with the skills and tools needed to respond to fire outbreaks.

“We are launching the fire season amid growing concerns over the destructive impact of veld fires on lives, property, livestock and the environment. We should work together to prevent and stop the spread of fires in our areas,” he said.

Mr Tapiwa Mubaiwa, Gweru District Agritex Extension Officer, said fire-fighting demonstrations should result in farmers going back to having fire-fighting teams on their farms or in the community.

Speaking at the same event, farmers gave accounts of the effects of fires on wild animals, livestock, humans and property.

A Shurugwi farmer, Mr Sabastan Matsanzikeni, said the district faces the challenge of artisanal gold miners who burn forests during their operations.

He added that farmers who clear their fields as the rainy season commences can also cause fires, especially when there is wind that spreads them.

“Some burn the grass while looking for mice, and poachers burn grass while looking to trap animals,” he said.

Mr Matsanzikeni said Wards 21, 22 and 23 are fortunate that companies assist with diesel to make fireguards. “We should also use our cattle or donkeys to make fireguards,” he said.

Mr David Mapolisa, a farmer from Somabhula, said there is a need for farmers to work together to put out fires when they start.

Mr Mapolisa said there are wildlife poachers as well as fishmongers who light fires which then turn into raging veld fires.